Very Slow Wireless Modem Connection Speed

Blalack77 · 05-11-2008, 07:31 PM

I recently bought a UTStarcom UM150 wireless modem from Alltel and the sales rep AND the box that the modem came in advertised speeds UP TO 3.0 Mbps. Personally, I knew that it wouldnt go that fast, but it's running at 115.2 Kbps. At first we thought it might be the signal strength, but we've tried it everywhere from 0 signal to full signal and on several different computers, but the connection speed is always 115.2 Kbps. Its a brand new modem and it DOES connect to the internet so I really dont think its a problem with the modem. Has anyone else had this problem and/or does anyone know how to fix it?

johnhook · 05-12-2008, 03:28 AM

Blalack77,

Correct me if I'm wrong - but I believe the device you're asking about is a CDMA/GSM cellular broadband access device - not a WiFi device. The speeds you're reporting would indicate upload or upstream speeds as this device is capable of MUCH faster download speeds. It really depends on the wireless carrier you're using and the signal strength where you're using the device.

If at all possible, I would avoid ANY USB-based network interfaces (WiFi, Wired, Cellular, etc.). USB network devices rely on mini-port and other network emulator device drivers which can be slow and problematic. If at ALL possible - I would go with PCMCIA cards rather than USB adapters. USB is fine for keyboards, mice, printers, scanners and external hard drives - but I've had nothing but problems with USB-based broadband devices.

You might want to contact your wireless provider and ask about OTHER options.

- John

conbee · 05-15-2008, 04:26 AM

Blalack77

I had the same problem mate. I bough a USB modem promising me up to 3.0Mbps and i hardly get 100 kbps out of it. Moreover because i had it on contract when i tried to cancel it I had to buy my way out of it costing me Hundreds of £'s. I strongly agree with Johnhook. Get a PCMCIA card which do sometime gives you your money worth.

05-11-2008, 07:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blalack77 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Arkansas Posts: 11 OS: Windows Xp Service Pack 2	Very Slow Wireless Modem Connection Speed I recently bought a UTStarcom UM150 wireless modem from Alltel and the sales rep AND the box that the modem came in advertised speeds UP TO 3.0 Mbps. Personally, I knew that it wouldnt go that fast, but it's running at 115.2 Kbps. At first we thought it might be the signal strength, but we've tried it everywhere from 0 signal to full signal and on several different computers, but the connection speed is always 115.2 Kbps. Its a brand new modem and it DOES connect to the internet so I really dont think its a problem with the modem. Has anyone else had this problem and/or does anyone know how to fix it?

05-12-2008, 03:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnhook Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 810 OS: MS SBS 2003 SP2	Re: Very Slow Wireless Modem Connection Speed Blalack77, Correct me if I'm wrong - but I believe the device you're asking about is a CDMA/GSM cellular broadband access device - not a WiFi device. The speeds you're reporting would indicate upload or upstream speeds as this device is capable of MUCH faster download speeds. It really depends on the wireless carrier you're using and the signal strength where you're using the device. If at all possible, I would avoid ANY USB-based network interfaces (WiFi, Wired, Cellular, etc.). USB network devices rely on mini-port and other network emulator device drivers which can be slow and problematic. If at ALL possible - I would go with PCMCIA cards rather than USB adapters. USB is fine for keyboards, mice, printers, scanners and external hard drives - but I've had nothing but problems with USB-based broadband devices. You might want to contact your wireless provider and ask about OTHER options. - John __________________

05-15-2008, 04:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
conbee Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1 OS: windows xp pro service pack 2	Re: Very Slow Wireless Modem Connection Speed Blalack77 I had the same problem mate. I bough a USB modem promising me up to 3.0Mbps and i hardly get 100 kbps out of it. Moreover because i had it on contract when i tried to cancel it I had to buy my way out of it costing me Hundreds of £'s. I strongly agree with Johnhook. Get a PCMCIA card which do sometime gives you your money worth.